Program Overview

Information session: Join us on April 27, 2023, to learn more about the industry, programs and career. Learn more and register to attend on the Careers in Welding page.

If you’re interested in a hands-on trade, check out Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Welding program. We’ll get you started on a career that offers a lot of options, great mobility and excellent pay.

Welders are in high demand—in oil and gas, mining, manufacturing and construction. You need to be good with your hands and enjoy working with tools. You also need to be a problem-solver and a team player who’s able to follow instructions.

Welding is a one-year certificate program offered at all four Saskatchewan Polytechnic campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon. Build knowledge and skills in operating welding equipment and performing basic welding operations. You’ll get hands-on instruction in:

  • cutting processes
  • gas metal arc, gas tungsten arc, shielded metal arc welding
  • general shop practice and shop safety
  • operating fabrication equipment
  • oxy/acetylene fusion welding
  • quality assurance
  • using blueprints

Our Shop is Your Classroom

You’ll spend 75% of your time in Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s well-equipped shops learning from highly qualified instructors. You’ll learn to work on your own and as part of a team. You’ll also develop the quality assurance and shop safety practices employers look for when recruiting apprentices.

Apprenticeship Credit

With this Saskatchewan Polytechnic credential, you may be eligible for credit towards apprenticeship training. To learn more, contact the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC).

Trade to Degree

The Bachelor of Applied Management (BAMgt) degree provides journeypersons the unique opportunity to leverage existing education and experience into a bachelor's degree with two years of additional study. Part-time and remote options are available.

 

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

When you graduate, you’ll have the skills you need to do basic welding fabrication and repair. Skilled welders are in demand in many industries, including oil and gas, construction, mining, manufacturing, fabrication and transportation. Look for jobs in repair shops, with fabrication companies, at mine and mill sites, in manufacturing and processing plants, in oil refineries and more.

Potential Careers

Sample Job TitleNOC Classification1Earning Potential2
WelderWelders and Related Machine Operators (7237)$43,700 - $90,100
Implement AssemblerMechanical Assemblers and Inspectors (9526)$35,400 - $56,200

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): September
Length: 34 weeks

Locations

  • Moose Jaw
  • Prince Albert
  • Regina
  • Saskatoon

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Alternative Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.



ACCUPLACER©

Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.

  • 250 Arithmetic
  • 237 Reading

Post-secondary

Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.

If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

 

2022/23 Academic Year

$10,580

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

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Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
COMM 127
Fundamental Communication Skills
2
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You will use fundamental employability skills related to obtaining and keeping a job. You will apply skills to work effectively with others and produce job-related documents. You will identify employability and practical skills to prepare effective job search materials and discuss the effect of attitudes and behaviours on a successful job search.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 106, COMM 127A, COMM 187, COMM 191, COMM 193, JOBS 190, PROF 100, TCOM 102, TCOM 105, TCOM 120, TCOM 140
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Theory, Online, Online - Individual, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning, Work Based Delivery
COMP 172
Introduction to Microsoft Word and Excel
1
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You will learn the purpose and uses of a word processor and electronic spreadsheet. You will develop the basic skills of creating, editing and formatting documents and spreadsheets.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): COAP 120, COAP 172, COAP 381, COMP 120
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning
EQPT 103
Fabrication Equipment
4
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You will safely use and maintain portable hand tools and stationary power equipment.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning, Work Based Delivery
INDG 100
Introduction to Indigenous Studies
1
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You will receive an introduction to the Indigenous cultural groups within Saskatchewan. You will learn about the colonization of Indigenous peoples by the Canadian state. Your studies will help you discuss current issues and explore possible solutions.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
MATH 169
Trade Mathematics
2
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You will learn mathematical concepts commonly used in your trade. After reviewing basic arithmetic and basic equations, you will solve various algebra problems as applied to your trade. You will perform Imperial and Metric conversions, and calculate the perimeter, area and volume of many common shapes, as well as use Pythagorean theorem.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): MATH 125, MATH 187
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
METL 100
Metallurgy and Heat Treatment of Metals
2
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You will study the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of commonly used metals in the welding trade. You will study the processes of steel making. You will apply the techniques involved in heat treating metals. You will examine the classification systems used for metal identification.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Lab, Online - Individual, Prior Learning
PRNT 106
Hand Drafting
1
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You will apply the skills learned in drawing interpretation to sketch oblique, isometric, and orthographic drawings of three-dimensional objects.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
PRNT 107
Drawing Interpretation and Welding Symbols
2
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In this course you will be introduced to various technical drawings that are used in the construction and manufacturing industries. You will study the proper terminology and components of drawings. In this course students will be introduced to common structural, piping, vessel drawings and terminology. You will be introduced to weld joint design and welding symbol.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
PRNT 108
Introduction to Computer Aided Design
2
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In this course you will be introduced to computer aided drawing methods used in the fabrication and welding industries. You will use computer assisted drawing software to draw parts and develop both two-and three-dimensional parts and assemblies.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Prerequisites(s): PRNT 106(concurrent), PRNT 107(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
PROJ 102
Shop Projects
4
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You will complete a welding project using the appropriate sequences of a job plan to fabricate, assemble and complete your project.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Equivalent Course(s): PROJ 180
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Lab, Online, Online - Individual, Prior Learning
QC 100
Quality Assurance
1
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You will study the principles, components and benefits of a quality assurance program.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Lab, Online, Online - Individual, Prior Learning
SFTY 103
Welding Safety
2
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Your studies will focus on general safety as it applies to the welding trade. You will learn about firefighting equipment, organize a shop for safe welding operation and safely transport and store welding supplies. You will also learn basic rigging techniques. You will study the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and be introduced to Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): SFTY 114
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
WLDR 144
Oxy-Fuel Processes Theory
1
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You will develop the knowledge required to select, set up, operate and maintain oxy-fuel welding (OFW) equipment.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
WLDR 145
Oxy-Fuel Processes Shop
2
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You will set up and use oxy-fuel equipment to weld, braze and solder.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online, Prior Learning
WLDR 149
Canadian Welding Bureau W47.1 Welder Qualification
3
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You will complete the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) welder qualification W47.1 assessments using the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) processes for the flat groove-fillet (1GF) assessment.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
WLDR 166
Oxy Fuel and Thermal Cutting Theory
1
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You will develop the knowledge required to select, set up, operate, and maintain oxyfuel cutting, plasma arc cutting and air carbon arc cutting equipment.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
WLDR 167
Oxy Fuel and Thermal Cutting Shop
3
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You will use freehand and guided methods for cutting mild steel. You will perform straight cuts, bevel cuts and pierce holes in the plate. You will use a guide to do straight cuts, bevel cuts and cut circles from plate. You will perform plasma arc cutting and gouging, as well as air carbon arc gouging.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online, Prior Learning
WLDR 168
Wire Feed Processes Theory
1
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You will develop the knowledge required to safely select, setup and maintain power supply components, electrodes, flux, and shielding gases.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
WLDR 169
Wire Feed Processes Shop 1
4
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You will setup and use wire feed equipment to weld mild steel with hard wire, flux cored, and metal cored wire. You will weld aluminum fillet welds.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online, Prior Learning
WLDR 170
Wire Feed Processes Shop 2
4
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You will weld flat and vertical up on 3/8 mild steel V-groove butt joints, and weld around structural shapes using solid and flux cored wire in the flat position.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): WLDR 169(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online, Prior Learning
WLDR 171
Shielded Metal Arc Welding Theory
2
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You will be introduced to the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process and study the types of power sources, electrical characteristics of welding circuits, and mild steel and low alloy electrodes.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): WELD 107
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
WLDR 172
Shielded Metal Arc Welding Shop 1
4
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You will develop your welding skills in the flat position and the horizontal positions.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Equivalent Course(s): WELD 108
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online, Prior Learning
WLDR 173
Shielded Metal Arc Welding Shop 2
3
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You will perform horizontal multi-pass and vertical downhill welds using various electrodes.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): WLDR 172(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online, Prior Learning
WLDR 174
Shielded Metal Arc Welding Shop 3
3
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You will perform vertical welds with the uphill progression using E7018 electrodes. You will assemble and weld a weldment for carbon arc cutting – air (CAC-A) exercise.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): WLDR 173(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online, Prior Learning
WLDR 175
Shielded Metal Arc Welding Shop 4
3
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You will be introduced to open root welding. You will practice the preparation, assembly, and welding of open root v-groove weldments in the flat position.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): WLDR 174(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online, Prior Learning
WLDR 176
Shielded Metal Arc Welding Shop 5
3
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You will perform the preparation, assembly, and welding of open root v-groove weldments in the horizontal position.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): WLDR 174(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online, Prior Learning
WLDR 177
Shielded Metal Arc Welding Shop 6
4
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You will perform the preparation, assembly, and welding of open root v-groove weldments in the vertical position. You will perform welding in the overhead position.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): WLDR 174(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online, Prior Learning
WLDR 178
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
3
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You will set-up and adjust Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) equipment required for welding mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum. You will examine the types of electrodes, shielding gases and electrical current types used in the GTAW process. You will weld mil steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
Total semester credits: 68

Optional Course:

  • PRAC 184 Work Experience

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.


Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Additional Information

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